Leader Guide
Catching Game
- Whiteboard or chalkboard
- Marker or chalk
- Inflatable beach ball
- Timer—clock/watch with second hand, stopwatch, timer app
Write the SuperVerse on the board along with the scripture reference.
Let’s say our SuperVerse, Jonah 4:11 (cev), together again:
“In that city of Nineveh there are more than a hundred twenty thousand people who cannot tell right from wrong. … Don’t you think I should be concerned about that big city?”
Play this game as a large group. Have children stand in two lines directly across from each other and perpendicular to the board. Leave about 8–10 feet between the lines. See diagram. Hand the ball to a child at one end. Start the timer. The first child will shout the first word of the SuperVerse and toss the ball to the first child in the opposite line. That child will catch it, shout the next word of the SuperVerse and quickly toss the ball to the next child in the other line. Continue in this fashion until the SuperVerse is completed. Stop the time and record it on the board. Play at least two rounds, trying to beat the previous round’s time. Children who do not catch the ball must retrieve it, return to the line, and continue.
Conclusion: That was fast! Was it hard to remember to shout the word before you threw the ball?
The SuperVerse today shows how much God cared about the people of Ninevah—and He cares about us, today! Now think of this—even though the people of Nineveh did not serve God, He desired that they turn away from their sin so they would escape judgment. This is why He sent Jonah with His message of mercy.
